Real Madrid qualifies for the Women’s Champions League

Real Madrid qualified for the group stage of the Women’s Champions League for the sixth consecutive season after eliminating Ajax over two legs in the third qualifying round. Our team, which had already won the first leg in Amsterdam, confirmed their progress with another victory at the Di Stéfano, this time coming from behind with second-half goals by Schröder and Linda C..

Pau Quesada’s side started well, creating two dangerous chances early on with shots from Schröder and Toletti. With the 2-0 lead from the first leg, Madrid sat back in their half and opted for a more direct style of play with quick transitions. This allowed their opponent to approach Frohms’ area, but the madridistas were solid defensively and kept a clean sheet in the first half.

Madrid reacts
Ajax took the lead three minutes into the second half with a solitary play finished by Snoeijs into the top corner. Far from succumbing to the visitors' pressure, Pau Quesada’s team responded immediately. The conceded goal spurred them into action, and they went on the offensive. Schröder, Toletti, and Elisa tried their luck without success, but in the 58th minute, the Swedish forward, with a brilliant header from a cross by Eva Navarro, beat Liefting to equalize and net her fourth goal in a week (having scored in the first leg and a brace against Atlético).

And seals the win
Madrid gained control of the game through high pressing, with the coach making substitutions to add freshness to the team, bringing on Lakrar, Linda C., and Caruso. The Italian made her debut in our jersey and came close to scoring the second in a play thwarted by the rival goalkeeper in the 79th minute. The madridistas were relentless in the final stretch, seeking victory until they were rewarded in added time with an individual effort by Linda C. in the 96th minute, securing Real Madrid’s spot among the 18 teams in Friday’s Women’s Champions League draw.

MATCH SUMMARY
2-Real Madrid: Frohms, Eva Navarro (Lakrar, 70’), M. Méndez, Andersson, Levels, Toletti (Linda C., 54’), Elisa, Andreia J.J., Keukelaar (Beerensteyn, 90’), Angeldahl (Caruso, 70’) and Schröder.
1-Ajax: Liefting, Visscher, Kees, Knol, Noordam, Spitse, Snoeijs, Van Hensbergen (Te Brake, 68’), Touon, Van Koppen and Thomas (Noordermeer, 68’).

Goals
0-1 (min. 48): Snoeijs.
1-1 (min. 58): Schröder.
2-1 (min. 96): Linda C.

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.